Great Power Politics in Tumultuous Times

This course introduces you to the role of great power politics in shaping international politics in an era of growing uncertainty.

You will explore how great power action and interaction affect global order, stability, and security. Through critical engagement with key concepts and theories, you will learn how great power politics is framed, contested, and interpreted from different perspectives.

What does the course lead to?

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Analyze the motivations and interactions of great powers using relevant theoretical and conceptual tools.
• Explain how structure, order, polarity, and power are politically contested in world politics.
• Critically evaluate the consequences of great power strategies for international peace and security.
• Reflect on the normative and political implications of different perspectives on great power dynamics.

The course equips you with the skills to independently assess contemporary debates on great power rivalry, spheres of influence, and the making of international order.

Structure of the course

The course combines interactive seminars with a final on-campus written exam. Seminars are the central part of the learning process and require active participation in discussing and applying the course literature.

Assessment is based on seminar participation and the written exam. In some cases, supplementary assignments may be required to achieve a passing grade.